Space News Mission Log — Satellite Launches, Orbital Events & Analysis
Daily space news, satellite launch reports, orbital debris analysis and weekly roundups — grounded in live tracking data from our network monitoring 15 published reports.
Types of Rocket Propulsion: Chemical, Electric and Nuclear
Chemical engines deliver thrust, electric thrusters conserve propellant, and nuclear concepts offer different trade-offs. Here is how mission designers choose between them.
Hohmann Transfer Orbit: How the Two-Burn Route Works
A Hohmann transfer connects circular orbits with two engine burns. Discover how it works, what makes it economical and why it is not always the cheapest route.
Delta-V Explained: The Currency of Spaceflight
Delta-v is the change in velocity needed for space manoeuvres, crucial in mission planning and satellite operations.
Comprehensive Guide to Every Active Launch Vehicle
Explore the full range of active launch vehicles, their capabilities, and their roles in deploying satellites and other payloads into orbit.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Mars?
Getting to Mars usually takes seven to nine months. The journey depends on where both planets will be at arrival, not simply how far apart they are at launch.
CSS Tianhe: Core Module of China's Space Station
CSS Tianhe, also known as the 'Harmony of the Heavens', is the core module of China's Tiangong space station. Launched on April 29, 2021, aboard a Long March 5B rocket, Tianhe serves as the primary control hub for the station.
How Many Satellites in Orbit? Counts, Types and Tracking
Earth has 15,870 active satellites, but the wider catalogue includes debris and inactive spacecraft. Here is what the counts mean and how to explore them.
Understanding Mega-Constellations: The Future of Satellite Networks
Mega-constellations are large groups of satellites working together in low Earth orbit to provide global coverage. Discover their purpose and impact.
Low Earth Orbit: Why Space Is Busiest Below 2,000 km
Low Earth orbit hosts space stations, broadband constellations and Earth-observation missions. Explore how it works, why it is crowded and what keeps satellites flying safely.
How Long Does It Take to Get to the Moon?
Reaching the Moon can take about three days or several months. The difference lies in the route, the fuel budget and whether a spacecraft must land, orbit or simply fly past.
Why Is Landing on Mars So Hard?
Mars has enough atmosphere to threaten an arriving spacecraft, but not enough to land it safely with a parachute alone. Every landing must solve both problems autonomously.
How Long Does It Take to Get to the ISS? Hours to Days
Reaching the ISS can take about three hours or stretch over one or two days. The difference is largely about launch timing, orbital alignment and the spacecraft's rendezvous plan.